Is bingo luck or strategy?

Bingo is arguably one of the easiest gambling-related games to learn, due to how it works and what you need to do in order to win. In this guide, we will explore the finer details of the game and explore whether winning can be more attributed more to luck or a clearly defined strategy.

What strategies can you use to win at bingo? 

Although there is no set in stone strategy that guarantees any wins in bingo, there have been some which have been theorised over the years, a couple with quite a lot of credibility behind them. Let’s take a closer look at these.

 

The Granville Strategy 

This was so-named after a prominent and highly respected mathematician and analyst, Joseph Granville, who earned his reputation for his work in the financial markets and making successful predictions. One area that he diversified into was interrogating the odds behind all of the varying numbers in bingo.

Over the years, this has become well known with online bingo players, some of who are familiar with the basic guidelines to follow that Granville came up with during his extensive analysis. This takes into account having certain types of numbers on your bingo card which Granville came to the conclusion help to give you more of an edge:

• An equal amount of odd and even numbers
• An even division of numbers which finish in one and nine
• An equal amount of high and low numbers

While this may seem on the face of it, a particularly random suggestion, the fact is that Granville invested a considerable amount of effort into investigating how random the game of bingo was when it came to which numbers appeared at certain times.

Combining the results from his analysis around the random element of the game with the law of probability, he came to the reasoned conclusion that over a long term perspective, it was likely that overall, there would be a balanced ratio of even and odd numbers being called, in addition to an equal amount of low and high numbers.

Although it is not a strategy per se, bingo players can use these factors as a way of being able to recognise if they have a good chance of winning when they are playing bingo; should you identify with all of them, then you can at least be sure that you have more favourable odds.

 

The Tippett Strategy

This bingo strategy is perhaps lesser-known though it focuses on a British statistician known as L.H.C Tippett, who theorised a relatively simple system that could be used as a way to increase the chances of winning in 90-ball bingo and also 75-ball bingo.

He outlined that this works on the premise that the more that are called, this increases the probability that the balls which are called are going to be close to the median number (half the number of 90 so in this case 45). However, should fewer balls be called, it then means that the probability of numbers being further away from the median is increased, which follows that balls which are nearer to 90 or one are more likely to be called.

One way of being able to predict whether fewer or more balls might be called does take some considered analysis and look at the different patterns on the card that are needed to win. Tippett predicted that cards which had a more simple winning pattern such as a straightforward vertical, horizontal or diagonal line of five numbers, it would be likelier that fewer numbers would need to be called. This would mean that these would likely be closer to 90 or one.

 

Other tips to follow when playing bingo

While these theories (above) can add a sense of fun towards playing bingo, it should be noted that these are not precise, regardless of how much mathematical analysis has gone into them. Ultimately, bingo is a game of luck because there is no accurate way of being able to guess which number is going to be called next.

However, it should be noted that there are more practical tips that you can apply when playing bingo.

 

Get to know the rules in full 

While the game of bingo is typically an easy game to understand, when you get to know everything about how the various online games work, it means that it can give you the best possible chance of winning as it provides you with a foundation to build on. Some sites have free games available that are worth exploring to give you the confidence to start wagering with real money, so it is always recommended that you try this first if you are new to the game.

 

Be smart about the time of day that you play

This is because when you do this, it can help to affect your chances of winning. For example, the more players who are playing a game of bingo, the lower odds that you have of being successful. As a result, if you play at a time which is typically quieter – maybe on a weekday afternoon, or late in the evening, bingo rooms may generally be emptier than on a weekend for example.

 

Use the bingo bonuses that are available 

When you do this, it means that you will get more tickets for less than you would usually pay. This means that your chances of winning can be increased due to the number of possibilities that are available.

 

Final thoughts

Arguably one of the main attractions about the game of bingo is that it is simple to understand once you have an idea of the rules, while you can win a substantial amount of money for a relatively low cost for the ticket, depending on which site that you use.

While a number of tips and strategies have been explored in this guide, it is important to remember, that these are not foolproof and you should not apply them with the mentality that you are going to win.

Ultimately, it is key to understand that bingo should never be used as a way to try and make money, while you should also never gamble more than you are prepared to lose.